Pochettino drops hint over imminent return as Man Utd talk gathers pace

Mauricio Pochettino says he is missing life as a football manager and is ready to return to the game, as rumours persist over over a potential move to Manchester United.

Pochettino has been out of work since he was sacked by Tottenham last November and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

The Argentine has been continually linked with the Old Trafford hotseat. But that speculation has only heightened after a woeful start to the season for the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men suffered yet another home defeat as they lost to Arsenal on Sunday. That has left United sitting 15th in the table after six games with the Norwegian under hue pressure.

Speaking as a guest on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football show, Pochettino said life in football is “not a stress” and he is looking forward to returning soon.


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“I am looking forward to be involved in the game, I love the game,” Pochettino said.

“We are inside, working, but it’s not the same as being involved every day. Working with your staff, working with players – always you miss that, that’s the reality.

“I love football, it’s my passion, not my job. It’s not a stress to work in football. It is not a stress to go to training. It’s not a stress to prepare the team. It’s not a stress to compete.”

 

Pogba belongs on the bench

Former Chelsea and France international Frank Leboeuf thinks it would be best for Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to bench Paul Pogba.

The 27-year-old started the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal and held his hand up after giving away the crucial penalty in the second half.

Pogba had been benched for the last two Premier League games; his last start was the 6-1 hammering by Tottenham.

The France World Cup winner also gave away a penalty against Spurs and his season has started poorly.

Host broadcaster Sky Sports rated Pogba a 4/10 and claimed: “…struggled in transition and frequently dispossessed, then naively clipped Bellerin after getting on the wrong side to concede the penalty that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dispatched. Infuriating again.”

 

Asked about United’s form and Pogba’s status at Old Trafford Leboeuf told ESPN: “I don’t know if there is any explanation [for United’s form].

“It was a random win against Leipzig and a lucky one.

“What we have seen in the Premier League is not good enough from Manchester United. The level drops dramatically.

“It was very strange to see that diamond midfield because Solskjaer wanted Pogba in the middle of the park, where he is clearly a problem because he changed him in the second half, putting him on the left wing almost.

“He doesn’t know what to do with Pogba. Solskjaer has to rethink his position, maybe the best position for Pogba right now is on the bench.”